The Best Temples in Kyoto

There are over 1600 temples in Kyoto, so choosing a few to see on a short visit to the city can be a daunting task. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best temples in Kyoto, divided into different categories.

Read any guidebook about Kyoto and you might get the impression that you’re just reading list after list of Buddhist temples. How do you tell them apart? More importantly, how do you choose the ones to visit during your stay in the city? In this section, I’ve put together several lists of my all-time favorite Kyoto temples. Every one of these is well worth a visit. And note that since many of the city’s best gardens can be found within temple precincts, garden lovers will be well rewarded simply by visiting some of these temples.

If you’re looking for a really special temple experience, Wabunka offers several private tours of Kyoto zen gardens which let you explore these magical places without the crowds.

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Best Overall Kyoto Temples

• Nanzen-ji Temple
  One of the best temples in the Northern Higashiyama district, Nanzen-ji Temple is a sprawling Zen paradise surrounded by lush green hills.
• Tofuku-ji Temple
  One of the most attractive temples in Kyoto, Tofuku-ji Temple also has the advantage of not being very crowded unless you come during the fall foliage season.
• Honen-in Temple
  Honen-in is our favorite temple in all of Kyoto, and that’s saying a lot in a city with over 1600 temples.
• Ginkaku-ji Temple
  Ginkaku-ji temple, the famed “Silver Pavilion”, has magnificient halls and gardens. It’s predictably popular so best visited in off-peak times
• Daitoku-ji Temple
  Not just a temple – a world of temples. Daitoku-ji Temple is home to some of my favorite Zen gardens in Kyoto.
• Kinkaku-ji Temple
  Kinkaku-ji, the famed “Golden Pavilion,” is Kyoto’s most iconic sight. It’s well with a visit, just try to pick a time when the crowds aren’t there.
• Chion-in Temple
  Sometimes called the Vatican of Pure Land Buddhism, this vast temple is one of the most and popular temples in the city. It’s highly recommended.

Recommended Kyoto Accommodation

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Zen Rock Garden at Ryoanji Temple

Best Kyoto Temples for Garden Lovers

• Ryoan-ji Temple
  Japan’s most famous “Zen” garden consists of 15 carefully placed rocks that float mesmerizingly on sea of gravel – an example of carefully calculated randomness.
• Ginkaku-ji Temple
  Ginkaku-ji temple, the famed “Silver Pavilion”, has magnificient halls and gardens. It’s predictably popular so best visited in off-peak times
• Tofuku-ji Temple
  One of the most attractive temples in Kyoto, Tofuku-ji Temple also has the advantage of not being very crowded unless you come during the fall foliage season.
• Taizo-in Subtemple at Myoshin-ji Temple
  Myoshin-ji Temple is a walled-in world of Zen temples that easily merits a half-day or even full day of leisurely exploring.
• Tenryu-ji Temple
  Tenryu-ji Temple is the headline attraction in Arashiyama, a sprawling Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and wonderful mountain views.
• All the subtemples at Daitoku-ji Temple

Best Kyoto Temples for Quiet Contemplation

• Honen-in Temple
  Honen-in is our favorite temple in all of Kyoto, and that’s saying a lot in a city with over 1600 temples.
• Manshu-in Temple
  A small gem of a temple well to the north of the “beaten path,” Manshu-in rewards the visitor with a fine garden, brilliant architecture and superb decorations.
• Shoren-in Temple
  One of our all-time favorite temples in Kyoto, Shoren-in is bypassed by almost all tourists and bus groups.
• Tofuku-ji Temple
  One of the most attractive temples in Kyoto, Tofuku-ji Temple also has the advantage of not being very crowded unless you come during the fall foliage season.
• Jingo-ji Temple
  Easily one of the most beautiful temples in the Kyoto Area, Jingo-ji Temple makes the perfect half-day or day-trip out of the city.
• Saimyo-ji Temple
  A short distance up the river from Jingo-ji Temple, this fine (and free) pocket temple is a real charmer and should not be missed.
• Kurama-dera Temple
  Kurama-dera Mountain Temple is easily the best day- or half-day trip out of Kyoto. High on the shoulder of Mt. Kurama, you can feel the power of nature up here.

Nanzen-ji Temple

Best Kyoto Zen Temples

• Kennin-ji Temple
  The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, Kennin-ji Temple is an oasis of calm on the edge of Gion with a superb Zen garden.
• Nanzen-ji Temple
  One of the best temples in the Northern Higashiyama district, Nanzen-ji Temple is a sprawling Zen paradise surrounded by lush green hills.
• Tofuku-ji Temple
  One of the most attractive temples in Kyoto, Tofuku-ji Temple also has the advantage of not being very crowded unless you come during the fall foliage season.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Best Kyoto Temples for Children

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto’s must-see attractions. It’s a bustling riot of commerce and schlock, but it’s a lot of fun, especially for the kids.
• Chion-in Temple
  Sometimes called the Vatican of Pure Land Buddhism, this vast temple is one of the most and popular temples in the city. It’s highly recommended.

See The Best Shinto Shrines in Kyoto for information on shrines. You may also find my personal Top 10 Favorite Kyoto temples interesting too. If you’re trying to work out how to see as many temples and shrines as possible in a short period, my Must See 1 Day Kyoto Itinerary provides practical assistence of how to fit it all in.

Kyoto District Map

• Arashiyama
• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Nishijin
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto